Plastic Man Bench Stolen From House of Secrets Burbank

 

Some jerk has stolen the well-known Plastic Man Bench from right outside House of Secrets in Burbank. Only reported a few hours ago on the comic shops Facebook Page, patrons and fans of the store aren't happy and want justice. So, if you see the iconic bench anywhere report it to the police right away as stolen goods or at least grab photos or video from your phone, the location and give it to HOS. If not found or returned some commentors have suggested a Kickstarter for a new one, possibly way more heavier than the last.

Predator: Killer of Killers: Recommended, So Much Better Than DC's Animated Home Releases

 

We're highly recommending Predator: Killer of Killers. A no fat, all meat action movie with deep lore to the Predator franchise. If a fan of the movies, you'll be digging all the added lore from the same director of Prey. If just a causal, then it's a perfectly serviceable feast of blood, guts and action. Serviceable is probably not the right word as the executions of people are so well executed.

It goes by quick, but you get three stories of people from different eras (very reminiscent of top video game franchises) beating a Predator in combat and then a final act dealing with what their wins earn them. Not something great. Each era is beautifully and brutally captured and feels different, but they all tie together.

And, it even feels like a bit like a video game when we meet our characters on a spaceship. It's like the character select you get at the start of a game. Slowly drawn out for cinematic flair. That and so much of it make it so hard to put down who this is for, we'd say everyone...who can see an R rating. 

It's so hard to put this in a sort of camp, as the animation, fully done in Unreal Engine, clearly reminds of video games and more specifically CGI animated shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012) and Star Trek: Prodigy. However, those did not have the level of violence shown here. 

You could put it in the column dominated by DC's mostly awful home animated movies, 'cept for the Mortal Kombat ones, where the level of violence is justified. 

That must be what is getting to us, it's a really well-made animated film for older teenagers/adults. We're just reminded of how terrible DC's home video animated market is way too dark, cheap and poorly written. As of writing this, so far it seems like DC Universe Animated Original Movies is dead for now. No new movie in 2025. If still alive, we hope a predator rips out its skull and spine, because those films have truly sucked.

Maybe WB animation is too busy working on Batman: Caped Crusader? If you forgot it existed, we don't blame you, it was released all at once on Prime. Another bad idea as a more violent Batman wasn't needed. Even if handled by the great Bruce Timm, it just isn't needed.

Keep your brutal mayhem where it belongs in Predator, Mortal Kombat and The Boys. We're not saying get rid of it, just don't put it in places it ain't needed. Now, enjoy watching people disemboweled in this one.

Punch Punch Forever Episode 3 Out

My full eye-catch piece for Punch Punch Forever ep 3! 🥊💥 pic.twitter.com/09JWJZDLWv

— Pontoffel_NoPockets (@pontoffelnp) June 6, 2025

Another amazing episode of Punch Punch Forever is out. Totally NSFW and filled to the brim with references near and far all over the spectrum of media. If you love 80's/90's anime it's just too good.

Episode 2 is actually perfect for Friday the 13th.
 

Local Hype: Evil Dead in Concert & Tournament of Cheeseburgers

 

Evil Dead in Concert has you listening to live music and watching a restored version of the Sam Raimi horror classic. LA scores three nights and of course, one is on Halloween. Tickets go on sale today Friday, June 13!

 

LAist reveals the Top 20 cheeseburgers in SoCal. The winner with a few of the other best burgers makes it's way to Smorasburg 7/20, but there's plenty to check out at Smorgaburg before then.

Anime Expo 2025 Maps Are Up

 

Anime Expo 2025 Maps are up now, plus hours of when every location is open and closed. Take a gander of where you'll be wandering.

Game Hype: Too Many Games: Scott Pilgrim EX, Big Walk, BALL x PIT & More

Way, way too many games were announced over Summer Game Fest. Here's just a few that caught our eye.

 

You had me with whatever "participation" means for Paul Robertson. We've been following this artist for years and love his work. He helped create the first game, but was unceremoniously taken off it. He might actually just work at Tribute Games, but I don't recall ever seeing Participation used in a trailer unless it was a a five-second collab. Out 2026.

 

Also in a collab, not getting a participation trophy, Tribute Games has it's hands in Marvel Cosmic Invasion out this year. Now with She-Hulk and Rocket Racoon.
 

 Finally out for Halloween, this looks like a perfect nostalgia game made today by Yacht Club Games.

 

 A beat-em up with a beat.

 

The people over at House House have totally sold me on this. Big Walk is out 2026.

Woah, that's a lot of thighs! Thanks Japan, just like always.

Devolver Digital went all out to make their showcase just about this one. Trying the demo, it's definitely addictive.

Weekly What To Do: Friday The 13th, Please!

Hey all, with everything going on be sure to check the news before you head out and as much as we love downtown, it's not the place to be this week. With many of the events, be sure to check if they're still happening before you go. We saw a lot of cancellations over that last few days. Stay safe.

 

The Hollywood Fringe Festival, a mainstay of Los Angeles live performance, are now on sale, with shows running from June 12th through June 29th. Celebrating their 15th anniversary, HFF continues their commitment to facilitating accessible live theater in Los Angeles, bringing an unparalleled opportunity to see live entertainment of all kinds. With shows across genres and a mix of new works, original works, and independent artists, across hundreds of shows, the Hollywood Fringe Festival offers something for everyone.

 

Director/writer/actor Nina Conti and co-writer and actor Shenoah Allen will appear in person at Landmark's Nuart Theatre on Friday and Saturday, June 13 & 14 for Q&As after the 7:30pm shows! SUNLIGHT is a nihilistic comedy love story between a man and a woman who doesn’t want to come out of a monkey suit until she is truly loved.

 

 

Friday the 13th 45th Anniversary Event

June 13, 2025 10:00 PM
Live Music by:
DJ Splyce
The Autry Museum/ Outdoors

$32.07 and up

 

PRESENTED BY BLOODY DISGUSTING x PARAMOUNT SCARES x SFC, JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE 45 YEARS OF THE ICONIC HORROR FRANCHISE THAT BROUGHT A BRAND NEW FEAR TO THE SUPERSTICIOUS DAY.

EXPERIENCE FRIDAY THE 13TH (1980) LIKE NEVER BEFORE FEATURING EXCUSIVE PHOTO OPPS, SWAG GIVEAWAYS, A SPOOKY MARKETPLACE, THEMED COCKTAILS, HORROR TRIVIA WITH PRIZES AND ENDING THE NIGHT WITH A SCREENIG OF THE ORIGINAL CULT CLASSIC UNDER THE STARS.

 

Friday the 13th

Fri, Jun 13 @ 7:00 pm

Eagle Theatre - Vidiots

$

 

Join Vidiots on one of our favorite sporadic holidays with the original nightmare at Camp Crystal Lake. Pitch your tent and watch your back because the counselors at this summer camp are getting slashed and skewered by a brutal murderer in the woods.

 

Dude Bro Party Massacre III
Date & TimeFri, Jun 13 @ 9:45 pm

Eagle Theatre - Vidiots

$

 

10 Year Anniversary screening! Filmmakers in Person! Intro by Patton Oswalt!

A satirical twist on the gory and sexually-charged 1980s slasher genre, Dude Bro Party Massacre III is presented as the only surviving VHS copy of a reviled horror franchise’s third—and final—installment. In the wake of mass murders on Chico’s frat row, loner Brent Chirino must infiltrate the ranks of a popular fraternity to investigate his twin brother’s murder at the hands of the serial killer known as Motherface. 

 

 

 

 

PLUTO TV’S POPCORN CHALLENGE 

Friday, June 13th and Saturday, June 14th 

Starting at 12pm PT and running until 8pm PT both days

 Westfield Century City  in the Atrium

*Open to the public - free admission

The popcorn challenge features a giant popcorn box filled with flying popcorn - mall guests, cinephiles, and popcorn fans alike can step into the box and will be given 20 seconds to catch as much popcorn as possible for the chance to win epic prizes!

Bretman Rock + Evolution Fresh Host Free Soda-Powered Car Wash in West Hollywood

The Soda-Powered Car Wash will take place from 9am – 6pm PST on 6/13 at 431 North La Cienega Blvd in West Hollywood, CA

Cancelled

 

Free car washes with a cleaning solution made with Phosphoric Acid, an artificial ingredient that is found in popular sodas. 

 

 

Soak up the fun at the all-new Universal Mega Movie Summer with splash-filled attractions like Jurassic World - The Ride, now featuring the brand-new Mosasaurus Splash! Meet your favorite characters and snap photos at new photo ops, celebrate iconic anniversaries like 50 years of Jaws and 40 years of Back to the Future, and indulge in movie-inspired eats and treats (available for in-park purchase). It s a summer celebration like no other!

 

This Summer, Vidiots is excited to welcome you to Movie Den, a tween and teen-centric matinee repertory series in our MUBI Microcinema, with programming focused on engaging, delighting, and inspiring the next generation of film lovers. Support comes from Vidiots’ Founding Members and longtime supporters MUBI and Golden Globe Foundation.
Running June 16 through August 27, Movie Den offers curated afternoon screenings every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with tickets priced at $2 (a call-back to the Eagle Theatre’s pricing of yesteryear) and popcorn will be on the house! 

 

‘No Kings’ Protests

More than 1,500 demonstrations against the Trump administration are planned nationwide on Saturday, June 14. Some of the more than two dozen protests planned in Southern California are listed below. A full list is available at nokings.org. via LA Daily News

 

 
    

 

 

Anaheim: 4-7:30 p.m., La Palma Park, 1151 N. La Palma Parkway
    Claremont: 2-4 p.m., Foothill and North Indian Hill boulevards
    Long Beach: 9-11 a.m., Bixby Park Annex at East Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue
    Los Angeles: 10 a.m., Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, founder of American Opposition, is expected to join the protest.
    Pasadena: 2-4 p.m., Lake Avenue and Colorado Boulevard intersection
    Rancho Cucamonga: 5-7 p.m., City Hall, Civic Center Drive and Haven Avenue
    Riverside: 5:30-7:30 p.m., downtown Riverside at Market Street
    Torrance: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd.
    Temecula: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Temecula Duck Pond, Rancho California Road and Ynez Road
    Whittier: 2-5 p.m., City Hall, 13230 Penn St.
    Woodland Hills: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., northeast corner of Topanga Canyon and Victory boulevards

D23 & Street Food Cinema Present A Goofy Movie

Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 8:30 p.m. PT
The Autry Museum of the American West, Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way 
Los Angeles, CA 90027

$$ 

 

Do you need a break from modern livin’? D23 is excited to collaborate with Street Food Cinema to present a special screening of fan-favorite film Disney’s A Goofy Movie just in time for its 30th anniversary! D23 Gold and General Members are invited to enjoy a special outdoor movie screening at The Autry Museum of the American West, with food trucks offering gourmet grub and libations for purchase. So don’t worry if you haven’t mastered the perfect cast: the food and fun is all set for your partakin’.

 

Game of Shrooms 2025

Sat June 14th

Worldwide

Free 

 

The next Game of Shrooms happens on June 14th, 2025. On that day, artists from all over the world hide their original mushroom-themed art works in public places then they give hints (often on social media) for others to find AND KEEP!

KCRW Summer Nights with LA Chinatown 

Jun 14 - 8:00 pm PDT Moved to July12th
Chinatown’s Central Plaza
943 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012 

Free 

 

KCRW and Chinatown Summer Nights present a neon-lit experience in one of Los Angeles’ oldest neighborhoods. Bring the family to celebrate New Chinatown’s 87th anniversary! Shop legacy merchants, taste the culinary offerings of Chinatown’s chef-driven concepts, and dance the night away in Central Plaza with DJ Heidi Lawden and KCRW DJ Raul Campos. 

 

DRUNK SHREK: 2-Year Anniversary Show!
Saturday, Jun 14, 2025, 10:30 PM
Dynasty Typewriter
2511 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

$ 

 

Drunk Lady Productions is turning TWO — and we’re throwing the ultimate celebration with Drunk Shrek! 💚 It’s the fairy tale you thought you knew, but with more heart & more fart!

Join your favorite comedians for a wild, one-night-only show party full of karaoke chaos and improvised fairy tale mayhem. They'll be belting out tunes from the musical and trying to act out the story in between songs, all with a drink in hand and zero rehearsal. Think musical theater meets late-night ogre-the-top madness… in a swamp.

 

 

Mount Wilson Observatory Presents
Saturday Evening Talks & Telescopes
“No One May Ever Have the Same Knowledge Again: Letters to Mount Wilson Observatory, 1915-1935”
With The Museum of Jurassic Technology’s David Wilson
Followed by Picnicking and Stargazing
June 14, 2025, 5:30pm - 11:45pm

 

CLEAN PLATE CLUB
Monday, Jun 16, 2025, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Dynasty Typewriter
2511 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 

$ 

 
CLEAN PLATE CLUB

delectable improv with Bobby Moynihan and guests
with discourse and dining courses from Dinner Time Live's Chris Ying! 

Extra:

 

Free Hours at the Autry

Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.

Update: During this Wildfire season, The Autry closes off, please check day of event

Let the Autry cover your next visit with Free Hours at the Autry. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. will be free to all Autry visitors. Enjoy access to all the Autry's exhibitions including Imagined Wests, Reclaiming El Camino and more by reserving your spot today!
 

Thanks to the generous support of the Autry Foundation, Free Hours at the Autry* are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.

 

UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.

 

Smorgasburg Los Angeles

Every Sunday 

10am-4pm at @rowdtla
Free Entry, Family Friendly Beer Garden, No Pets.

 
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with markets in Los Angeles attracting 50,000 people each weekend to eat from a hundred local vendors.

 

 

 

Largo, known for comedy shows. Grab some tickets before everything sells out. Many new shows from some of LA's top comedians. We see Bill Burr, Patton Oswalt, Pete Holmes and Sarah Silverman performing here to name a few.

 

Film

Cine Insomnia@Nuarte

Do you have Cine Insomnia? We have the cure! Join us at Landmark's Nuart Theatre for midnight weekend programs ranging from classic anime and horror to sci-fi favorites, offbeat musicals, cult sensations and more!

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.

 

Street Food Cinema-Outdoor cult or recent hits you'll love.

The Montalban Rooftop Movies

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán.

& Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style

Cinelounge - Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of

 

Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night

611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

 

Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.

4884 Eagle Rock Blvd

Anime Expo 2025: Top Panels

Here's our top panels for Anime Expo 2025.

 

Thursday, July 3, 2025

 

Gundam Rising in Los Angeles - Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Special Event
Panel Room: Main Events (Peacock Theater)
START: 11:30 AM
END: 2:30 PM
Panel Description: Be part of the very first Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX event in Los Angeles, featuring a movie screening, talk show, a live music performance, and more! Special guests will include the Director, Kazuya Tsurumaki, the voice actor of the main character MACHU, Tomoyo Kurosawa, and many more!

 

Aniplex of America 20th Anniversary Industry Panel
Panel Room: Petree Hall
START: 2:00 PM
END: 3:20 PM
Panel Description: For the past 20 years, Aniplex of America has brought a wide variety of shows that have captured the hearts of many fans the world over! Join us as we celebrate our past, present and future with an anime industry anniversary panel that will surely be an event to remember!

 

THE GHOST IN THE SHELL × Science SARU: New Animation Project Panel
Panel Room: 408AB
START: 5:15 PM
END: 6:05 PM
Panel Description: The return to a legendary cyberpunk sci-fi anime by Shirow Masamune will be launched in 2026. The leading animation studio Science SARU will be presenting a new project “THE GHOST IN THE SHELL”. Producers and other members of the production team will discuss the content of the anime and production status of the project along with other updates.

 

 The Heart of Hentai: J18 Industry Panel (18+)
Panel Room: JW Diamond
START: 9:30 PM
END: 10:50 PM
Panel Description: Join the editorial staff of J18 Publishing for a night of Q&A, manga giveaways, and exclusive sneak peeks at our upcoming titles for 2025 and 2026! Through the support of fans like you, all things are possible—and this is your chance to hear straight from the team who makes them happen! ***This room WILL be cleared prior to this panel.***

 

Friday, July 4, 2025

Frieren: Beyond the Journey
Panel Room: Main Events (Peacock Theater)
START: 12:30 PM
END: 1:20 PM
Panel Description: Get ready for a conversation with some of the cast and staff behind one of the most-talked about anime in recent history! Join the voice of Stark (Chiaki Kobayashi), Producer Yuichiro Fukushi, and Composer Evan Call as they talk about their experiences working in the show, and what's next for Frieren!

 

WITCH WATCH Panel with Director & Voice Cast
Panel Room: JW Diamond
START: 1:30 PM
END: 2:20 PM
Panel Description: Join Lilypichu (Nico), Stephen Fu (Morihito), and Caleb Yen (Kanshi) from the English voice cast and director Hiroshi Ikehata for a behind-the-scenes dive into WITCH WATCH, the season's magical new rom-com.

 

more panels after the jump 

 

Bugs Bunny At The Symphony @ The Hollywood Bowl July 11-12

🐰🎶 What’s Opera Doc!? I’ve been graciously invited as a special guest to perform at the 35th Anniversary of “Bugs Bunny At The Symphony” at the Hollywood Bowl — We will also be celebrating Bugs Bunny’s 85th birthday!! Thanks to Craig Kausen for the introduction to the Maestro,… pic.twitter.com/u1i6gYUMmc

— Eric Bauza (@bauzilla) May 20, 2025

Anime Expo 2025 Panel Schedule Up

🎉 The Anime Expo 2025 Panel Schedule is now live! Check out our website to see all the fun and exciting panels you can attend!

🔗See the AX 2025 Schedule! https://t.co/YGNGCOCvI0

🎟️ Register Now! https://t.co/JoO9LMYVHv
🏩 Book your Room! https://t.co/CEzeh8GvAB

Anime Expo… pic.twitter.com/QGtzKDgY4F

— Anime Expo (@AnimeExpo) June 7, 2025

Oh yeah, the panel schedule is up. There's so much to do and some ticketed events you might want to look at. We'll have a breakdown of our favs later.

 

Check out the full schedule here. 

Anime Riverside 2025: A Few Favs

These are just a few photos we love getting over at anime conventions or any conventions, people out in their cosplay or costume just grabbing a snack or dinner like it's the norm

 

C'mon Grab Your Friends: Fionna & Cake and Adventure Time Celebration Gallery Up

 

Jake the Chair by David C. Smith

C'mon Grab Your Friends: Fionna & Cake and Adventure Time Celebration Exhibition's gallery is now online. And, oh boy, does it have some amazing art from the animators behind the shows. Just look above at that Jake chair, perfect.

 

Here's some more of our favorites.

 

Tied Together by Matthew Forsythe

 

Knife Time by Ala Flora

 

golem's top
by andrew paul ristaino

Portrait of a Cat by Benjamin Anders

 

Bonnibel
by Doyung Lee

Marceline Sketch 9 by  Rebecca Sugar

Watch You Watching: Predator: Killer of Killers, M3GAN 2.0 & Black Phone 2

 We've got some movies for you to hceck out, including what looks like what was supposed to maybe be a mini-series turned into a movie

Predator: Killer of Killers is from the director of Prey and is out on Hulu this Friday, June 6th. It takes four stories of Predators going after different killers through different time periods. Reviews have been great and it's all made fully in the Unreal Engine.

 Out at the end of the month, June 27th, we see M3GAN 2.0 in theaters for killer robot action. Can we even consider it a horror movie when it looks like you're supposed to be cheering on the killer robot. With it's tongue-firmly-in-its-cheek sense of humor, it totally works. It's made with the intent of  realistically having a pop music loving killer android take down people as cool as possible.

 

Black Phone 2 isn't out till' October 17th in theaters, but the trailer shows off our main killer isn't gonna stop even though he's dead. Yup, it looks like he's been Freddy Kreugererd into being a dream demon or ghost and you don't want him to give you a nightmare.

And, some Jurassic World Rebirth posters were released much to chagrin of the Internet, they kind of suck.

 

I Think Of You Dying Commercial

 

Honestly, this should be running before Bleak Week movies. So accurate if you have a Jewish Mom. But, don't send them the video, they're not gonna like the level of blood in it.

Anime Riverside 2025: Pokemon Merch

 

Just a fascinating to see how much Pokemon is still a major part of every anime convention. Anime Riverside was no exception. What's crazy is how much of it there is and a lot of it is high quality. And, though not official it looks like it is.